HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 9OSC Final_Minutes16-0609.docx 1
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Building
FINAL Minutes of Regular Meeting June 09, 2016
Members and Associates Present: George Clifford, Nancy Couperus, Sarah Fogarty, Kit Gordon, Alice
Sakamoto, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch (Members)
Members and Associates Absent: Sarah Fogarty, Sharen Schoendorf (Member); Richard Contreras, Heather
Knight, Karen Lemes (Associates)
Council Liaison Present: Gary Waldeck
Member of Public Present: Kjell Karlsson (Traffic Safety Committee, Finance and Investment Committee)
Yoriko Kashimoto (Board Member, MROSD)
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
A. Roll Call. GC called the meeting to order at 9:03 am.
B. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes. NC moved to accept minutes of the April 14, 2016 meeting with minor
amendments. AS seconded and vote was unanimously in favor (GC, NC, SF, KG, AS, JS, WW, SW).
2. New Business
A. Conservation and Open Space Easement restrictions. OSC discussed regulations and restrictions for CE
and OSE. A resident has complained to the OSC that the owners of an adjacent parcel have constructed
planter boxes within a dedicated open space easement. Structures are generally prohibited in these
easements unless specifically allowed in the agreement with the Town. It was suggested that OSC
research the conditions specified in the easement agreement for this parcel.
B. Benches in Town Open Space. At the last OSC meeting, Council Member Gary Waldeck suggested the
Town place cut tree stumps along pathways to provide resting places for pathway users. It was
suggested that OSC make a formal proposal to Council to try a pilot project placing stumps of a few
pathways. Several stumps have already been placed in Byrne Preserve. NC moved that the OSC
present a proposal to Council to start a pilot study to place tree-round seats along several off-road
paths in Town open space. OSC will contact Pathways Committee for feedback on this proposal.
AS seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (GC, NC, SF, KG, AS, JS, WW, SW).
3. Continuing Business
A. Matadero Creek Restoration. Nothing to report.
B. Byrne Preserve.
i) Acterra Stewardship Contract Renewal. Council approved two months of bridge funding to Support
Acterra in May and June at the April 6, 2016 Council meeting. The FY 2016-17 budget approved at
the May 31, 2016 joint Council/FIC Committee meeting included Acterra a 3-year contract for a
CIP project to provide matching funds for the SCVWD grant ($127K over 3-years); and a 1-year
contract from maintenance funds for other vegetation management ($15.8K). Council will vote on
the budget at the Council meeting on June 16, 2016, and RC will request approval of the contract
with Acterra for 2016-17 at that meeting. Grant work will start in July.
ii) Creek erosion and SCVWD grants. Nothing to report.
ii) Bike Ban in Byrne. No complaints from the public have been received about the ban or the signs.
Equestrians have reported feeling safer on trails. Bike routes still appear on the Strava website.
iv) Brush Clearing with Goats. OSC discussed this annual project managed and paid for by LAHCFD.
GC will contact Stu Farwell at LAHCFD for get information about the project location.
C. SOD BLITZ. SW reported that 20 people participated in the 8th annual SOD BLITZ on May 14, 2016.
Samples were taken to Berkeley for testing; results will be presented at a follow-up meeting in the fall.
D. Creek Signage. No updates.
E. Town Newsletter Articles.
i) Lawns to Meadows. KG volunteered to author an article on creating wildflower meadows. She is
working with Raj Reddy, who transformed a hillside on his property to a spectacular display of
native wildflowers. KG reported that in October grass expert John Greenlee will present a seminar
on how to create meadows. Sponsors include GreenTown Los Altos and PHWD. Next year OSC
will request funding from the OSC budget to help support the $1K speaker’s fee.
ii) Palo Alto Animal Services. AS reported that editor Alex Atkins has approved the article she
volunteered to author on Palo Alto Animal Services.
OSC Final_Minutes16-0609.docx 2
iii) Dr. Albert Barnitz Byrne. SF volunteered to write a history of this interesting man who generously
donated his land for a public open space preserve. NC reported that the LAH History Committee
also has interest in documenting the life of Dr. Byrne.
iv) MROSD. Yoriko Kashimoto, MROSD Board Member, volunteered to write and article on recent
MROSD activities. KG offered to write a letter of introduction to editor Atkins for her.
F. Wildlife Seminar on Snakes. JS contacted Ken McCloud, a potential speaker for this wildlife seminar.
She and NC will meet with him to discuss a program outline (e.g., benefits of snakes, identification,
hazards to snakes around our homes) and set a tentative date for early next spring.
6. Planning
A. Fence Permits. No notices were received.
B. Site Plan Reviews.
i) 10842 Loyola Drive. GC NC and KG volunteered to make a site visit and draft a recommendation.
ii) 10800 Magdalena. This development was informally reviewed last month when OSC made
recommendations for the adjacent parcel. GC will speak to the planner (Steve Padovan) again about
placing an open space easement on part of the parcel.
iii) 24802 Olive Tree Lane. SW made a site visit and prepared a draft recommendation (Attachment A).
After committee discussion, SW moved that the OSC recommend the Town require the
developers of 24802 Olive Tree Lane to dedicate an open space easement on the steep back
slope of the parcel extending from the southern border of the parcel up to at least the 800-foot
elevation contour to keep this area in its natural state. NC seconded and the vote was
unanimously in favor (GC, NC, SF, KG, AS, JS, WW, SW).
iv) 24183 Dawnridge. OSC reviewed this development at the meeting of 02/11/16 and recommended 1)
a riparian setback 25 feet from top of bank of Hale Creek; 2) an open space easement 25 feet from
top of bank; 3) removal of driveway and retaining wall near the creek; 4) removal of invasive
pampas grass along the creek and revegetation with native plants in consultation with SCVWD for
guidance; 5) inform developers that pool water must not be drained into the creek. SW seconded
and the vote was unanimously in favor (GC, SF, AS, SS, JS, WW, SW). Conditions of development
do did not include the required staking of the creek setback. OSC will discuss with planning dept.
v) 25769 Elena Road. OSC reviewed this development at the meeting of 09/10/15 and recommended
that the Town require the developers of 25769 Elena Road to move the existing fence out of the
conservation easement and show this easement on development plans. After committee discussion,
NC moved that the OSC recommend the Town require riparian and open space easements on
this parcel 25 feet from top of bank of Purissima Creek. SW seconded and the vote was
unanimously in favor (GC, NC, SF, KG, AS, JS, WW, SW).
5. Communications from the Floor.
A. Council Vote on Budget. KK reminded OSC members that the City Council will vote on the FY 2016-
2017 budget at the Council meeting on June 16, 2016.
B. Update from MROSD. Yoriko Kishimoto, MROSD Board Member representing Ward 2 (which
includes Los Altos Hills), provided an update on new projects on MROSD lands supported by Measure
A bond funds. These include upgrades at Mt. Umunhum (e.g., stabilizing the historic building,
constructing a new trail); and at Bear Creek, Redwood, El Corte Madera, and La Honda Preserves.
Kishimoto also reported that ballot Measure A to support open space passed by 69% in all nine counties.
6. Open Discussion.
A. Deer Creek Stables Update. NC reported that the stables and riding facilities on Deer Creek Road will
be downsized to accommodate additional development on Stanford lands.
B. Site Visit Data Collection Form. SW distributed a revised draft for review (Attachments B and C).
7. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am.
Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, July 14, 2016
9:00 AM at LAH Parks and Recreation Building
Attachment A: Draft OSC Recommendation for 24802 Olive Tree Lane
Attachment B: Open Space Committee Property Review Information
Attachment C: OSC Site Visit Check List
Final minutes approved with amendments (red text) at the Open Space Committee meeting of July 14, 2016.
AttachmentA_OSC_16-0609Draft24802OliveTree 7/15/16 1
DRAFT Open Space Committee Property Review
Property address: 24802 Olive Tree Lane
Lands of: Jones and Grau APN: 336-35-058 Project Number: 142-16-ZP-SD-CDP-VAR
Reason for OSC review: _____ New residence ____ Second Unit _____ Addition/major remodel
Other (specify): Garage and addition
Planner: Steve Padovan OSC Reviewers :SW Site Visit Date: 06/07/16
OSC Review Date: 06/09/16 (Copies of the Town Open Space Easement and Wildlife
Management brochures were given to the develoeprs.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Observations
The parcel is a 1.1-acre flag lot off the south side of Olive Tree Lane within the unincorporated
county lands annexed to LAH in 2012 (Olive Tree Hill Annexation). Because the residence was
built under county building regulations, setbacks and some other parameters do not meet
LAH code and a variance for the garage setback was required. (Did this trigger OSC review?)
SLOPE. Average slope of the parcel 36.9% and the LUF is 0.465 (per development plans). The
existing residence is located on a relatively flat area accessed via a 300-ft driveway over the
“pole” of the flag. The house has unobstructed180-degree views of Rancho San Antonio and
Skyline Ridge. From the building platform the lot drops off steeply to the south and extends
almost to the border of Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. Almost the entire wide
ravine south of the house is undeveloped land covered with native chaparral and oak scrub
woodland. The OSC reviewer opted not to explore further down the slope because of the
steepness and the dense vegetation.
CREEKS. Permanente Creek runs east to west through Rancho San Antonio OSP at bottom of
the ravine, but is at least 400-500 feet from this parcel.
TREES. Three heritage oaks (24-inch DBH) are growing near the eastern border of the parcel
east of the house and on the building platform. These trees should not be affected by the
proposed project and are not proposed for removal. A number of smaller oaks are growing
along the eastern border further down the slope (neighboring parcel).
FENCING. A 6-ft post and wire fence runs along the western border near the proposed new
garage. Fencing also runs along the eastern property line and at least part way down the
slope. It was not possible to see how far down the slope the fence runs because of the
vegetation.
WILDLIFE CORRIDOR. This are was not within the borders of LAH and was not included in
the wildlife study contracted by council in 2005. Proximity to Ranch San Antonio = wildlife.
NEARBY OPEN SPACE EASEMENTS.
a) OSC reviewed the adjacent parcel to the west (24874 Olive Tree Lane) in Oct 2014 with a
recommendation that the Town ask the developers to dedicate an open space easement on
Attachment A: OSC Meeting 06/09/16
AttachmentA_OSC_16-0609Draft24802OliveTree 7/15/16 2
the steep lower portion of the parcel. This easement was required as a condition of
development and dedicated to the Town in CR-33-14 (06/19/14).
Recommendation
1) Because of the steepness of the back (southern) portion of the parcel, which has slopes in
excess of 40-45%, OSC recommends the Town require dedication of an open space easement
over the slope from the south eastern up to the 800-ft contour line. This will protect a
significant proportion of the steep slope and still allow for additional development in the
future if the LUF allows. This area has particular value left in its natural state because of its
direct connection to other protected lands (Rancho San Antonio OSP). Part of the proposed
OSE will be contiguous with an OSE on the adjacent parcel.
2) OSC also recommends the planner inform the developer that Article 5 1-1.502(d) may
apply to this steep constrained lot. This ordinance allows steep areas placed in open space
easement to be excluded from the area used for LUF calculations. (See below.)
The recommendation for an OSE is consistent with LAH ordinances and General Plan policies:
General Plan Land Use Element
Policy 2.5. Steep slopes, canyons and ravines generally in excess of 30% slope, as well as natural
swales and drainage channels, and geologic hazard areas within areas designated for residential
development shall be left undisturbed and preserved in their natural condition to the maximum
extent feasible.
Program 2.1. Continue to require the dedication of open space easements where appropriate as
a condition of approval for new development. Each parcel shall be evaluated on a case-by-case
basis during the development review process to determine whether an open space easement
should be required, based on the extent of steep slopes generally in excess of 30% slope and the
presence of heritage trees and/or creek corridors. Other considerations shall include the size of
the proposed open space easement, its contiguity with existing open space easements, and
whether the property is located within and Open Space Conservation Area.
Title 10 ZONING AND SITE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER 1 ZONING
Article 5. Area, Coverage, Height and Setback Limitations
10-1.502 Development area
(d) For any lot on which substantial areas of slope in excess of thirty (30) percent constrain the
allowable development area for the site, the lot unit factor and maximum development area may
be calculated based solely on the flatter portion of the property, provided that: (1) the area used
in the calculation results in a lot unit factor (LUF) in excess of 1.0 and provides a minimum of a
one hundred sixty (160) foot diameter building circle within that area; (2) the remaining steep
slopes excluded from the calculation are contiguous and placed in a conservation easement,
prohibiting any construction, grading or development in perpetuity; and (3) driveway access to
the building site is located outside of the conservation easement area.
AttachmentA_OSC_16-0609Draft24802OliveTree 7/15/16 3
Final recommendation (after formal OSC review)
FOLLOW-UP
Date Development Plans approved:
__________________ Fast Track meeting
__________________ Planning Commission meeting
__________________ City Council meeting
Conditions of approval related to open space
Note changes from OSC recommendation
AttachmentB_OSC_16-0609Review_Form 7/15/16 1
Open Space Committee Property Review Information
Property address___________________________________________________________________________________
Lands of _____________________________________________________ APN__________________________________
Planner______________________________________ Project number ______________________________________
Reason for OSC review: _____ New residence ____ Second Unit _____ Addition/major remodel
Other (specify)_______________________________________________________________________________________
OSC Reviewers (initials)__________________________ Date of site visit_______________________________
Consider leaving copies of Town Open Space Easement and Wildlife Management brochures
for developers/owners.
SLOPE:
Average slope of lot ___________
Areas with slope ≥30%?
CREEKS
Creeks or waterways through parcel?
Name of creek. Shown on USGS map? SCVWD creek map? LAH Hazard Map?
Evidence of bed, banks, OHWM?
Condition of banks?
Existing riparian or OSE along creek on this property or nearby parcels?
Proposed setbacks for structures?
TREES
Heritage oaks?
Groves of significant trees?
Trees proposed for removal (Heritage oaks or other; number and species)?
WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Check 2006 Live Oak Associates map (not official)
Evidence of wildlife (e.g., deer trails, spoor)?
EXISTING FENCING:
Identify location and type of existing fencing
Check that fencing on plans agrees with fencing on the ground
Note any fence that does not meet current fencing regulations
NEARBY OPEN SPACE EASEMENTS
Check previous OSC reviews and Town records for existing CE or OSE on this property and on
adjacent and nearby parcels
Identify areas where OSE may be appropriate (slope ≥30%, significant trees, creeks, drainage
swales)
Attachment B: OSC Meeting 06/09/16
AttachmentB_OSC_16-0609Review_Form 7/15/16 2
SEPTIC FIELD LOCATION
Note location if applicable (parcel may be on sewer)
Septic fields, sewer and approved drainage installations are generally allowed in OSE
SUPPLEMENTARY INFO
Photos of site and/or features that meet criteria for OSE
Scan or take photo of relevant map(s) from development plans for future reference
OSC RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS PROPERTY
Draft recommendation (Prepared by reviewer and brought to OSC to formal review)
Include LAH ordinance and/or General Plan policies supporting the recommendation.
Final recommendation (after formal OSC review and approval)
FOLLOW-UP
Date Development Plans approved:
__________________ Fast Track meeting
__________________ Planning Commission meeting
__________________ City Council meeting
Conditions of approval related to open space
Note changes from OSC recommendation
AttachmentC_OSC_16-0609_Site_Visit
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Proposed Site Visit Check List
6/19/2014
Pick up site plan at Town Hall and identify assigned Planner.
Contact site planner to discuss project.
o project scope
o site hazards
o accessibility
o adjacent property addresses
Review plan for concerns:
o slope
o creeks
o trees
o wildlife corridors
o existing fencing
o open space or conservation easements on adjacent properties
o existing or potential open space or conservation easements on site
o septic field location, if applicable
o other open space issues.
Visit site.
o Pick a date and time for visit with at least one other committee member,
but less than a committee quorum (no more than 4 members).
o At least one week ahead of time, request the assigned site planner to
contact the owner to make necessary arrangements for the visit.
Discuss questions or concerns after site visit with Planner, if necessary.
Prepare a draft response to the Planning Department for review at next OSC
meeting.
Present review findings and draft response at a regular OSC meeting.
Amend and vote on response to Planning Department.
Submit written response to Planning Department.
Attachment C: OSC Meeting 06/09/16